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Eric Abidal is a free transfer target for both Liverpool and Manchester City as he approaches the end of his Barcelona contract.

The France international’s current deal is scheduled to expire at the end of the season and he is now entitled to speak to other clubs about a summer move.

Eric Abidal is a transfer target for Liverpool (Getty Images)

Barcelona have offered him a two-year contract extension, but with a number of major European clubs interested, the defender has asked for time to think about his future, reports L’Equipe.

AC Milan have already confirmed they are ready to hand the 32-year-old a three-year deal, but there is also interest from England.

Liverpool and Manchester City have apparently made Abidal aware they are keen, although they have not yet made formal offers.

Both clubs signed players – Jose Enrique and Gael Clichy – who play in the Barca star’s preferred position of left-back last summer, but the chance to bring in an experienced international who can cover across the back four is still an attractive prospect to them.

Abidal has previously indicated he would like to stay at Barcelona, as he is thankful for the way they stood by him after he was diagnosed with a liver tumour last season.